Autumn 08 Letter 05

The Newsletter of Edward Peake C of E Middle School Autumn Term 2008: Newsletter Number 5

PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION - ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MONDAY 13TH OCTOBER at 7.30p.m. All interested parties welcome.

Parent Governors As you may have noticed from your Parents’ Handbook, this year we have two vacancies for Parent Governor. Being a school governor gives a fascinating insight into the workings of the school and is a very rewarding way of ‘giving something back’ to the community. I have felt hugely fortunate over the last three years for the support and help which our governors have given me, for their determination to truly be ‘critical friends’ to the school, and their wish to share in the development of the school’s vision and progress. The Governing Body has asked me to seek nominations from among our parents to fill these two vacancies and I am pleased to invite those of you who feel you have the time to attend governors’ meetings (about one a month, including committees) and to generally take a care and concern for the school, to put yourself forward. Prospective governors need two other parents to nominate them. Should there be more candidates than places, there must be an election. I am more than happy to talk with anyone who thinks they may have a ‘calling’ to fill this role. You will find a nomination form attached to this newsletter. It includes a space for candidates to say a few words in support of their candidacy, should an election be required. Chris Garraway

HAVE YOU RECEIVED YOUR COPY OF THE PARENTS’ HANDBOOK? Last week, all children were given a paper copy of the 2008/2009 handbook to take home. If your child was absent, please ring school and we will give your personal postman a copy to bring home. ‘MEET THE TEACHER’ The first formal opportunity for parents to meet their child’s class teacher will be on –

Tuesday 21st October Please complete the tear off slip with this newsletter to indicate the period in which you would prefer an appointment. Class teachers will send appointment times home via children’s diaries. This is an opportunity to put faces to names, discuss ‘settling down’ concerns and share information. If you are unable to come on that evening, please contact your child’s class teacher to make other arrangements.

Reminder:

TUESDAY 14th OCTOBER 7.00 p.m. in the school hall

This is our evening for families with children in years 5 and 6 who want to know more about how they can help their children with literacy and numeracy. * Baffled by the way children are taught to do calculations? * What to know how to help your child read with greater understanding? About 60 parents have signed up already, but we have room for more! Children can come as well!

Thank you so much……..

………..for completing the information sheet with details of e-mail addresses and mobile numbers which can receive text messages. If you have not returned the sheet yet, please do so, even if it is a ‘nil’ return. The school office will be contacting parents who do not return the sheet in order to ensure that the original newsletter did get home!

Bonfire Night Celebrations: Saturday 8th November

Joint St Andrew’s Church / Edward Peake Firework Party Once again we will be hosting this popular event on the school field. Please book this date in your calendar! Tickets will be on sale after half-term.

School Photographer: Monday 20th October

Individual Portraits We shall be photographing all children on this day, both for our records and to offer parents the chance of buying portraits. As a grandfather myself I know how welcome pictures of the beloved grandchildren are! Families will be photographed both separately and together.

Half Term and Training Day A reminder that half term is Monday October 27th to Friday October 31st. We are also closed for staff in-service training on Monday 3rd November. Children return to school on Tuesday 4th. Ties

I would be grateful if parents could back us up by reminding children that they should wear their uniform – and tie – until they reach home in the afternoon. Removal of ties can lead to all sorts of mischief, particularly their use to ‘flick’ other children! We have made it clear that this must not happen, but would appreciate your help.

The Bishop of St Albans Harvest Service St Paul’s Church - Bedford Market Square Thursday 16th October 2.30 p.m. Several local Church schools are involved in this event and Mr Della Valle is taking a choir of about 50 children for this service – a wonderful opportunity for them to sing in a beautiful church building. Parents wishing to go are advised to arrive early!

‘Meet the Teacher’ reply slip Child’s name:

Tuesday 21st October

_______________________________

Class: ________

Please make us/me an appointment to attend this evening. The most convenient time for us/me to attend will be between: 4.30 to 5.30

5.30 to 6.30

6.30 to 7.30

7.30 to 8.30

(You may tick as many boxes as you wish) signed:

_________________________________

Children will write appointment times in their diary by Friday 17th October